Hyundai Creta coming to Malaysia, here’s what to expect

After introducing the all-new Palisade earlier this year, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) is buckled up to roll out another SUV in the town, called the Creta. The official distributor of Hyundai cars first dropped the hint of the SUV’s local arrival back in December and now it released a teaser on its Facebook handle with the caption “Your ticket to new on-trend adventures in line with your active lifestyle. It's time to create.”

Although the post did not mention the SUV’s name, the car’s silhouette and tail lights featured in the image clearly tell that it is none other than the Hyundai Creta."

The Creta is a B-segment SUV that will sit below the Kona in the brand’s local lineup. It will rival the likes of the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V.

Let’s take a look at what to expect from this upcoming Korean SUV while taking reference from the model presently on sale in the neighbouring markets, including Thailand and Indonesia.

Exterior

The Hyundai Creta features a bold exterior and a masculine stance that sets it apart from every other SUV on the road. The front design mimics the fourth-gen Tucson SUV with the parametric jewel bracketed by LED daytime running lights; the main lights are positioned in the lower clusters. Towards the rear lies LED combination tail lights, skid plates, and striking Creta script.

The SUV measures 4,315 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, 1,630 mm in height, and spans a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. For the sake of comparison, the X50 is 4,330 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,609 mm tall, and carries a 2,600 mm long wheelbase. The Honda HR-V dimensions, on the other hand, read 4,330 mm length, 1,790 mm width, 1,590 mm height, and 2,610 mm wheelbase.

The colour palette is likely to include - Creamy White Pearl, Galaxy Blue Pearl, Titan Grey Metallic, Magnetic Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl, Dragon Red Pearl, and Glowing Silver Metallic.

Interior 

Inside, we can expect a modern and sophisticated ambience kitted with all advanced features offering extra comfort on every ride. The list may include a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, an 8.0-inch central display unit, automatic air-con with rear vents and air purification system, Qi wireless charger, Bose surround sound system with up to 8 speakers, ventilated seats, leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, shift paddles, ambient mood lighting, and a rear-view camera.

Engine 

In Indonesia and Thailand both, the Hyundai Creta comes equipped with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-popper gasoline engine that kicks out a maximum power of 115 PS at 6,300 rpm and a peak torque of 144 Nm at 4,500 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels via the brand’s IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) system. However, the automaker also offers the option of a six-speed manual exclusively in Indonesia. The Malaysia-spec Creta is most likely to mimic the same engine specifications.

Safety

As for safety, the upcoming Korean SUV is expected to come with Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver-assistance pack. Though it may not have all those active systems found on the brand’s premium model, we can look at bits like blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, and auto high beam, 

Six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with an electronic brakeforce distribution system and brake assist, stability control, and tyre pressure monitoring system will also be a part of the car’s safety pack.

Price 

About the Hyundai Creta price in Malaysia, no information is yet available, however, if we look towards neighbouring countries for reference, the SUV retails between THB 949k and THB 999k (approx RM 121,806 to RM 128,224) in Thailand and between IDR 291.3 million and IDR 408.3 million (approx RM 86,153 and RM 120,756) in Indonesia.

In comparison, the Proton X50 price ranges between RM 86,300 and RM 113,300 while the Honda HR-V price starts at RM 114,800 and goes all the way up to RM 140,800.

Hyundai carries out localised assembly for the Creta in Indonesia, and from there exports the SUV to Thailand. It is anticipated that Malaysia will also receive the Indonesia-made Creta.

Are you excited about the Hyundai Creta launch in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Hyundai Ioniq 6 bags three awards at the 2023 World Car Awards